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The 0-Series was the first official P38 variation issued to the German army. This variation is produced between June 1939 and May 1940. Serial numbers of this variation always start with a 0, hence the name 0-Series. Determination of a 0-Series pistol shows the Walther banner and P38 model indication stamped on the left side of the slide with the serial number stamped just aft. All parts of the 0-Series pistols are stamped with the Walther acceptance stamp “eagle/359” and the sight is painted White/red. The bakelite grips are black checkered and have a round loophole for the lanyard. Most of the P38 pistols produced after this variation have rectangular loopholes.
Up for auction is a supreme example of the most desired 4th developmental stage “Zero Series” Walther P.38. Also known as the “3rd Model Zero Series”. These examples have a highly regarded historical significance as they track the various stages of production cycles that occurred at the Walther factory. The 4th stage examples engineered various changes to the frame, slide and locking block system that increased production capabilities as the expansion efforts were ramping up for Germany. The 4th stage went on to become the final production model that became the Walther P.38 used throughout WWII. The identifying 0 in the serial number is the primary identifying characteristic found in the serial number. This example we have up for consideration has a serial number of: 008254. She was manufactured in late 1939 / early 1940. The historical importance of this era in time places this gun at the coming dawn of aggression simmering out of the German Reich. The finish is high polish blue and she is fit with checkered black hard rubber grips that are numbered to the firearm. All of the factory serialized parts are matching and the barrel, frame and slide are proofed with the “eagle/359 Waffenampt”. This example has a magazine that is serial numbered to a different (3283) P.38. All mechanical actions operate with exactness and the bore is in outstanding condition. The original bluing remains in fine condition and the grips are proud as well. This 4th developmental stage Zero Series P.38 remains in a collector’s grade. We have attached multiple Hi-Definition photographs of this WWII Nazi stamped German P38 “Zero Series” in various lighting conditions for your review and consideration. She comes as photographed.

Walther P38 History

Once in a great while, a firearm becomes so popular that it becomes a cultural icon. Like a great car or movie, a great firearm can become a true classic. The Walther P38 is a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol that was developed by Walther Arms as the service pistol of the Wehrmacht at the beginning of world War II. It was intended to replace the costly Luger P08, the production of which was scheduled to end in 1942.The first designs submitted to the German Army featured a locked breech and a hidden hammer, but the Heer (German Army) requested that it be redesigned with an external hammer.
The P38 concept was accepted by the German Military in 1938 but production of actual prototype ("test") pistols did not begin until late 1939. Walther began manufacture at their plant in Zella-Mehlis and produced three series of "test" pistols, designated by a "0" prefix to the serial number. The third series pistols satisfactorily solved the previous problems for the Heer and mass production began in mid-1940, using Walther's military production identification code "480". After a few thousand pistols the Heer changed all codes from numbers to letters and Walther was given the "Ac" Code.

The Walther P38 was in production from 1938 to 1963. From 1945 to 1957, no P38s were produced for the German Military. Slowly over time, West Germany desired to rebuild its military so that it could shoulder some of the burden for its own defense. Walther retooled for new P38 production since no military firearms production had occurred in West Germany since the end of the war, knowing that the military would again seek Walther Firearms. When the Bundeswehr announced it wanted the P38 for its official service pistol, Walther readily resumed P38 production within just two years, using wartime pistols as models and new engineering drawings and machine tools. The first of the new P38s were delivered to the West German Military In June 1957, some 17 years and two months after the pistol had initially seen action in World War II, and from 1957 to 1963 the P38 was again the standard sidearm. In late 1963 the postwar military model P1 was adopted for use by the German Military, identifiable by the P1 stamping on the slide. The postwar pistols, whether marked as P38 or P1, have an aluminum frame rather than the steel frame of the original design. The aluminum frame was later reinforced with a hex bolt above the trigger guard. During the 1990s the German Military started replacing the P1 with the P8 pistol and finally phased out the P1 in 2004. An improved version of the P38, the Walther P4, was developed in the late 1970s and was adopted by the police forces of South Africa, Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg.

Please review the attached photos for an accurate visual representation of this Rare “Zero Series” 4th Developmental Stage (aka 3rd Model) Walther P38. We know everyone would prefer to put hands on a gun they are about to bid on, knowing that, we've attached multiple photo angles of the gun in various lighting conditions, our apologies for slowing down your load time. If you like the product, bookmark us. More fine iron released every Sunday evening. Thank you for bidding on another Diamond Firearms product. After you win this auction, call us @ 520-398-2955. Give us the chance to perfect your firearm requirements. From tactical to collectible and all the ballistics in between...

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